Gerald Joseph Brunning

Gerald J. Brunning II (Gerry), age 90, of Thaxton, VA, passed away peacefully August 21, 2026 surrounded by his close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Helen, and his second wife, Paulette.

Born April 16, 1936, in Buffalo, New York, he was the son of the late Gerald J. Brunning Sr. and Margaret Brunning. He attended Canisius University and participated in their ROTC program, where he left a lasting mark as the Sports Editor for The Griffin student newspaper. He was later recognized for his exceptional leadership and character with an induction into the prestigious DiGamma Honor Society.

Commissioned into the US Army, Gerald served with distinction and eventually attained the rank of Captain. After completing the Army language school where he studied Polish, he spent the majority of his military career stationed in Korea. Following his honorable discharge, Gerald continued his service to the nation by working for the National Security Agency (NSA) in Washington, DC. He later dedicated himself to education, working as a teacher at Dunbar School in Lynchburg, Virginia.

After moving to Thaxton, VA, he and his wife Helen dedicated their lives to the pro-life cause, selling books and publishing tracts defending life. After Helen’s death, Gerald married Paulette Spadaford and together they continued in the book selling business and pro-life work.

Gerald’s life was deeply anchored in his Catholic faith. He was a pillar of the Virginia Chapter of Catholics United for the Faith, working tirelessly to defend and support Church teachings. He was also a devoted, long-time parishioner of St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church in Roanoke, VA.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM on Monday, August 24, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 4730 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017 with Father George Zina officiating. Interment, with full military honors will follow in St. Andrew's Cemetery, 3601 Salem Turnpike, NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.